Every once in awhile, someone leaves an excellent comment here at Free Money Finance. Often there are good comments, but only every so often do we get to what I'd call the excellent level. In my opinion, this comment gets to this level.
Why do I like it so much? Because it's from real life, demonstrates the struggles/challenges a person/family faced, shows how they made a decision and were disciplined enough to put it into action (and sacrificed to make it happen, putting their family ahead of money), then shows how they succeeded in the long haul. It's simply inspiring to me. Maybe you won't think it is -- I'll let you judge for yourself.
This comment was left in response to my post on "Can I Afford to be a Stay-at-Home Mom?" and is as follows:
We made this choice years ago. My wife quit before I had finished college, so it had a major effect on our income. We sold both of our newer (and in-debt) cars and bought an older, cheaper one; we adjusted how often we ate out; and we set a budget and sacrificed to get there. At times it was tough, but my income gradually rose and we have been able to buy the things we want. But the choice had a major effect on our children (now 3 of them). They are happy and have a great relationship with their mother that otherwise we would have missed. We'd do it all over again.
To me, this story is very inspiring on many different levels -- financially, as a couple, and as a family. What do you think?
great post
Posted by: eric | September 13, 2005 at 02:21 PM
My wife and I are making similiar sacrifices after having our daughter two years ago. My daughter has formed a very solid relationship with her mother and I because of this.
I look at it as an investment for the important things in life. It hurts not having her income, but by living within our means and saving, we are still meeting our financial goals to be millionaires eventually.
Hazzard
Posted by: Hazzard | September 17, 2005 at 10:39 PM
We made a different choice. My wife works part time and I have a job with a relatively flexible schedule. Our kids don't have wrap around care before and after school. One of us sees them onto the school bus and one of us greets them when they get off. The logistics are complex, it has cost us some income, but it is worth it.
Posted by: Dale | September 18, 2005 at 07:14 PM
what if partner is pushing you to work even though we are not short of money. major headache
Posted by: butterfloor | September 21, 2006 at 03:37 PM
Stay at Home Mom's
Make more money than your husband!!!
Posted by: Ameriplan | March 13, 2007 at 06:25 PM